A preamble to a poem...
Today English votes are being counted. Today Gordon is 'reshuffling' his cabinet Ministers; those who are still left of course. Today, politicians from the ranks are being invited in to No 10; to join the inner circle, to fill the plush empty seats so recently vacated by members of the Volupts movement and a Work and Pensions Secretary who is on a self-harm reduction programme. Today, political blood hounds are baying for blood, Gordon's blood. Political hawks are circling the air, waiting for that chance to make the death strike. Carrion Crows sit around waiting for a few tasty morsels to come their way and little nasty creepy things are slithering in the shadows of the Palace of Westminster. What's new then? Well, nothing actually. As far back as 1984 observational comment in the form of poetry was being made about those who inhabit the world of politics. This poem is called The Fat Black Woman Versus Politics by Grace Nichols (The Fat Black Woman's Poems, Virago Press 1984, reprinted 1985, 1987 & 1990). The poem then.
Grace Nichols
The fat black woman
could see through politicians
like snake sees through rat
she knows the oil
that ease the tongue
she knows the soup-mouth tact
she knows the game
the lame race for fame
she knows the slippery hammer
wearing down upon the brain
In dreams she's seen them
stalking the corridors of power
face behind a ballot-box cover
the fat black woman won't be their lover
But if you were to ask her
What's your greatest political ambition?
she'll be sure to answer
To feed powercrazy politicians a manifesto of lard
To place my X against a bowl of custard
Note! The Volupts Movement: A notorious para-parliamentary organisation of female MP's (Parliamentary Sketch, The Times Friday June 5 2009). Known members are Hazel Blears, Joan Ruddock, Jaqui Smith, Caroline Flint and Harriet Harman (founding member).
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